Fredonia’s Re-Creation Retreat has license suspended during Department of Health Services investigation

The Re-Creation Retreat Residential Treatment Center for Girls in Fredo­nia has had its license suspended by the Arizona Department of Health Ser­vices (DHS), pending an investigation into allega­tions of Arizona health care code violations.

Representatives and associates of the center have contested the allegations on social media, calling the accusations unfounded, and reaffirming the cen­ter’s dedication to high standards and care for its charges, while the individu­als pressing the allegations claim abuse and trauma suffered under unreason­able circumstances while in the care of the facility.

According to the DHS order which suspended the treatment center’s license, as well as required a dis­charge of all residents and cessation of admissions by June 7 - a time frame which some defenders of the retreat claim could leave the girls scrambling to find housing or transportation home in an already sensi­tive time - an investigator from DHS’ complaints divi­sion found multiple points where RCR could be in vio­lation of Arizona state code.

Per the investigator’s findings, “The RCR Ad­ministrator had reasonable basis to believe that abuse, neglect or exploitation has occurred on the premises or while the resident is receiving services from the facility’s employees and failed to take immediate action to stop the suspected abuse, neglect or exploita­tion of the residents,” and further that “the adminis­trator failed to ensure that a resident is not subjected to restraints,” quoting the facility’s incident reports detailing which restraints were used in certain dis­ciplinary situations, that “the administrator failed to ensure the residents were not subjected to treatment that involves the denial of the opportunity to use the toilet” and “the adminis­trator failed to ensure a resident was allowed to associated with individu­als of the resident’s choice, receive visitors and make telephone calls, including privacy in correspondence.”

The investigator cited the 2025 edition of the facility’s student manual, which detailed “There is to be no talking in rooms without permission,” “no talking in bedrooms,” “only use the telephone with permission,” situations in which “there is no talking or any other form of communication,” “staff will closely monitor calls of the students,” “the student is only allowed to speak with individuals on their parent approved contact list,” and “Do not ask for things.” The initial investigation report called this “deficient practice” and “a rights violation.” The order for license suspension stated “The above violation results of which the health and safety of one or more patients or the general pub­lic is in immediate danger and imperatively require the intermediate sanction requiring a restriction on admissions and discharge of all residents by June 7, 2025, 12 p.m.”

The DHS order declared intent to revoke the re­treat’s license, pending an appeal process and a hearing allowing for the facility to contest the allegations. The RCR program has not offered an official statement on the issue; the Southern Utah News has contacted facility administration and has not yet received a response.